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Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs "chasing" young Everton defender Ishe Samuels-Smith, who has already been tipped for stardom.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

The Lilywhites are moving surprisingly quickly in this transfer window, having already sealed deals for Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli and England international star James Maddison from Leicester City.

Spurs have also made Dejan Kulusevski's deal a permanent one from Juventus, coming after the Swede excelled in huge parts on an 18-month loan spell from the Old Lady.

New manager Ange Postecoglou is particularly delighted with Tottenham completing moves for both Maddison and Vicario, having assessed their characters whilst coming to the conclusion they're perfect.

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers," said the Australian.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room."

Now, it is believed Tottenham are attempting to sign a star centre-back, after also reaching an agreement to sign Israeli international winger Manor Solomon on a free transfer.

The former Fulham loanee is set for a Spurs medical, so he will join the likes of Maddison and Vicario if all goes to plan, while Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven are being targeted.

Signing young and rising stars is apparently on the Tottenham agenda, as The Daily Mail and journalist Simon Jones explained this week.

Postecoglou's side are apparently among the sides "chasing" Samuels-Smith, who has been likened to ex-England defender Leighton Baines, alongside heavyweights Chelsea and Man City.

All three teams have performed spot checks on the teenager, with Spurs following him for the past 12 months. However, if they're serious about tempting him to north London, they may need to hurry as Chelsea weigh up an offer.

Who is Ishe Samuels-Smith?

The 17-year-old is yet to make his full debut for Everton but carries excelling potential and a brilliant reputation, having been included in The Guardian's 2022 best talents.

They drew particular attention to his "excellent passing range", composure and other attributes which make him stand out as quite the exciting prospect.

"An athletic, left-footed defender who is equally composed at full-back or centre-back, the Manchester-born Samuels-Smith has been with Everton’s academy since Under-nines level," wrote The Guardian.

"Has already been called up for training with the first team where coach Ashley Cole, and professional development coach Leighton Baines, offer the perfect education for a player in his position."

Odin Thiago Holm became Celtic's first signing of the summer transfer window when he arrived from Valerenga on a permanent deal last week.

Brendan Rodgers still has over two months to make further additions to his side in the hope of continuing the Hoops' dominance of Scottish football while also making a better fist of the Champions League.

The Daily Record recently reported that the club are in the market to add a third striker to their squad to complement Kyogo Furuhashi and Hyeon-gyu Oh.

Celtic have only had two options in that position since Greek international Giorgos Giakoumakis completed a move to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United in February.

Who could replace Giorgos Giakoumakis at Celtic?

Rodgers could finally replace the 28-year-old marksman at Parkhead by pushing Mark Lawwell to complete a deal for Maribor centre-forward Zan Vipotnik, who has been mooted with a switch to Glasgow.

Football Scotland reported last month that the young striker, who could be available for a fee in the region of £3.5m, is a target for the Scottish giants this summer.

The 21-year-old finisher could be the dream replacement for Giakoumakis as he enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 campaign in front of goal for his club.

Vipotnik plundered 23 goals in 38 matches in all competitions, including 20 strikes in 30 league games. He also scored his first-ever international goal for Slovenia this year.

The Maribo phenomenon could end up being an upgrade on the Greek powerhouse as his return of a goal every 1.65 outings on average trumps the former Celtic star's 2.19 clashes per goal, with 26 in 57 appearances for Celtic.

If the Slovenia international can translate that form over to Scotland then the prolific "poacher" – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would also offer more in front of goal than Oh, who scored seven in 21 games for the Hoops last term – a goal every three outings on average.

Kyogo's 54 goals in 83 matches (1.54 per strike) for the Scottish giants mean that he would remain the most lethal centre-forward at Rodgers' disposal right now heading into next season.

However, the Maribo sensation could come in to provide the Japan international with serious competition for his place and offer the manager another striker who is capable of making an impact in the final third on a regular basis, which is something Oh is yet to prove.

This means that Vipotnik could finally replace Giakoumakis as the second-string no.9 that can allow the head coach to rest Kyogo when needed, whilst also alleviating any concerns about his replacement if the ex-Vissel Kobe hotshot misses any time through injury or suspension.

Leicester City star James Maddison is “likelier” to join Tottenham Hotspur than Premier League rivals this summer, according to journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent.

Who will Tottenham sign?

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival from treble-winning Celtic marks the dawn of a new era and attacking football’s return to N17, coming after the more pragmatic eras of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte before him.

The domestic transfer window is officially open for business and it is now the task of chairman Daniel Levy to scour the market for much-needed Spurs upgrades.

A major rebuild is on the cards at Tottenham, with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks facing uncertain futures (The Telegraph).

There have been suggestions that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be facing the axe as well, meanwhile major doubts surround 2022 summer signing Richarlison.

Of the players who could come in, Postecoglou apparently wants a new centre-back, a goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris, forward additions and Leicester star Maddison.

Going back to the latter player, reliable reporter Delaney of The Independent has shared an update, with Spurs battling Newcastle for the 26-year-old’s signing.

However, despite Eddie Howe enjoying the luxury of Champions League qualification for next season, Maddison is actually “likelier to go to Spurs”.

It is stressed in his report, though, that neither side are that close to agreeing a fee for the midfielder – with Enzo Maresca’s side demanding almost double £45 million.

How many goals has James Maddison scored for Leicester?

Maddison, during his time at the King Power, has racked up an impressive 55 goals and 41 assists in all competitions.

Last season, the former Norwich City star totalled 10 goals and nine assists in the league alone – standing out as Leicester’s best-performing player by average match rating (WhoScored).

Journalist Rob Blanchette also hailed Maddison for his “sensational” form last year he got the England nod over Man United winger Jadon Sancho.

“James Maddison is an easy pick ahead of Sancho,” said Blanchette on Twitter.

“His form for Leicester has been sensational, while Jadon has declined.”

Aston Villa have been linked with another newly relegated Premier League star after confirming an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester City.

The Villans have had a host of talent on their radar early into the transfer window and with Monchi and Unai Emery at the wheel, it’s set to be a busy summer in the Midlands.

The latest speculation ties the club with another ace that’s Championship bound, should he not be released from his shackles.

What’s the latest on Rodrigo to Aston Villa?

As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs last weekend on the Leeds United Ultras Youtube channel, Aston Villa hold an interest in Leeds United forward Rodrigo.

Jacobs revealed (21.19) that the Midlands club are watching the 32-year-old “very closely”, with Paris Saint Germain and Brighton & Hove Albion also listed as interested clubs.

Signed for £26m in 2020, Leeds are expected to offload the £100k-per-week talent to transition to the financial difference between the top and second division.

What could Rodrigo offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as an “absolute top talent” by Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear, the Spaniard has been an integral member of the club’s short journey in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old has contributed to 30 goals in 88 appearances in the top division, scoring 26 and assisting four across three seasons via Transfermarkt.

His highest goal tally came this term where he netted 13, however, his contributions were not enough to keep the Whites from relegation on the final day.

Villa could snatch themselves a versatile forward in the Rio de Janeiro-born star, in a talent that is capable of playing wide as well as through the middle as a traditional centre-forward.

When speaking to The Athletic in April, Emery revealed his desire to sign a second striker to add depth to his squad, in a role that could see the favoured individual partner Ollie Watkins or rotate with the Englishman.

With European competition due next season, it’s imperative that the Spaniard recruits to add depth to his squad which is what he could do by capturing Rodrigo.

The 32-year-old has significant experience playing in Europe, including a standout season in La Liga in the 2017/18 campaign in which he recorded 23 goals and assists to show his capabilities in the final third.

When comparing the Spaniard and the Villa star, the numbers suggest that they could become an influential pair at Villa Park whether playing together or in rotation.

As per FBref, over the past year the Leeds gem averaged 1.86 progressive carries to Watkins’ 1.44 per 90 as well as 0.56 non-penalty goals per 90 to the Englishman’s 0.40, showing his ability to match the Villa favourite if called upon in his absence.

While their similarities are declared through their numbers, their differences suggest that they could form a strong partnership together, with the 27-year-old falling short of the Spaniard in terms of progressive passes, registering 1.12 to his 2.05 per 90.

The Leeds star shows strengths in his ability to link play as highlighted through his numbers of progressive passes in comparison to Watkins, suggesting he could act as an encouraging option to feed the 15-goal Villa star.

Monchi could land his first signing at a low price in securing Rodrigo, who could be a strong introduction for Emery’s plans to add depth to his squad.

Liverpool have been credited with an interest for Southampton star Romeo Lavia for several months now, with the Belgium international on the club's shortlist of options this summer.

Jurgen Klopp has received all the plaudits for the exceptional job he has done on Merseyside since arriving in 2015, but the Reds collapsed this season after chasing a historic quadruple last year, and major surgery is now paramount.

World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister has already been signed for a bargain £35m following the departures of midfield trio James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but further firepower is expected, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the outfit are in the market for two more midfielders.

And according to The Athletic's James Pearce, the 19-year-old Lavia could soon don the Liverpool shirt, and is considered a part of the core cluster of centre-midfield targets for the club.

Football Insider have also recently claimed that contact has been made with the player's representatives, with Chelsea and Manchester United also both intrigued – a fee of around £40m would likely be enough to prompt the relegated Saints to seriously consider allowing their prodigy to leave.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

While the former Manchester City youngster suffered the ignominy of Premier League relegation last term, the teenage gem can hold his head high after belying his tender age and top-flight inexperience with assured and composed performances from the anchoring role in the south coast club's midfield.

Reporter Benjy Nurick had high praise after one performance earlier this year, saying: "Romeo Lavia was an absolute monster tonight. Quite possibly the best midfielder on the pitch."

The one-cap prodigy has recorded an average league rating of 6.8 – as per Sofascore – and exhibited his skills by completing 86% of his passes, making 2.1 tackles per game and succeeding with an extraordinary 68% of his dribbles, which bodes well as Klopp seeks out progressive players to enhance his midfield.

He could be the "perfect" – as stated by reporter Nick Emms – component to ensure that Trent Alexander-Arnold's late-season purple patch is cemented after a year which highlighted his defensive frailties and left the full-back at the epicentre of Liverpool's woes.

As per The Athletic, the crux of Liverpool's strife this year has been down to the midfield's inability to protect the defence, sapped of vitality and devoid of confidence, and Lavia could fix this and subsequently unlock the full might of Alexander-Arnold's creative arsenal.

As per FBref, Lavia ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of blocks per 90, which only further strengthens the claim that, despite still being a budding prospect, he is en route to becoming one of the most dogged in the midfield business.

With Alexander-Arnold now flourishing in his new, inverted role – providing seven assists in the last ten league games of last season, the youthful exuberance of Lavia could ensure that Anfield steps into the new season firing across all cylinders, holding the centre of Klopp's squad together with an iron-clad grip and acting as the midfield 'monster' to allow his creative-centric teammates like the right-back to thrive.

Last summer, Manchester United signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid in what was a massive statement of intent from new boss Erik ten Hag.

This was a player who had just won La Liga and the Champions League in the same season and was arguably one of Madrid’s integral players, therefore, bringing him to Manchester was seen as an excellent move and one that would pay dividends.

A fee of £70m certainly raised a few eyebrows at the time as he was the second most expensive player over 30 in history, behind his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, however, he has been worth every penny.

The midfielder helped United win their first trophy in six years by securing the League Cup, while he ranked as the second-best player in the squad for overall rating in the league while also ranking second for big chances created and first for tackles made, suggesting he has made a positive influence in the Old Trafford side.

Could Ten Hag repeat this masterclass during the summer transfer window? As the Red Devils are reportedly keen on making a move for midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and they are prepared to offer up to €150m (£129m) in order to make a move happen.

Could Manchester United sign Eduardo Camavinga this summer?

Never say never, especially with the way the club lured Casemiro to England last year, however, Ten Hag may decide to use these funds for a striker or two.

The youngster is an exciting prospect and has enjoyed success at the Spanish side since joining from Rennes in 2021, winning the Champions League and La Liga title in 2021/2022, alongside Casemiro.

He doesn’t offer much in terms of goal contributions, yet his passing and defensive abilities are among the finest on the continent.

Across the big five European leagues, the Frenchman ranks in the top 3% for pass completion rate (89.8%), top 3% for tackles won per 90 (2.14), top 8% for percentage of aerials won (64.1%) and in the top 3% for carries into the final third per 90 (3.06), showcasing his wonderful talent in the heart of the midfield to not only help out defensively, but to also make accurate passes and carry the ball into the final third often.

It's no wonder he was dubbed “special” by Sky Sports reporter Nubaid Haroon just last year and if Ten Hag could somehow pull a move off for the Madrid sensation, he would be repeating his Casemiro masterclass, that’s for sure.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen defender, Edmond Tapsoba, albeit with chairman Daniel Levy set to face competition in the battle for the Burkina Faso international.

What's the latest on Tapsoba to Tottenham?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites – as well as rivals, Arsenal – are said to be among the clubs who have been keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old of late.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Premier League clubs are now tracking Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the summer transfer window — he’s one of the CBs to keep an eye on. Arsenal and Tottenham scouts have monitored Tapsoba in recent games but the race is absolutely open — Bayer will only sell for huge bid."

While the coveted centre-back has a market value of around £26m – as per CIES Football Observatory – as Romano alluded to it could take a 'huge bid' for Spurs to be able to pull off a deal, with the player having reportedly been valued at around €70m (£60m) back in 2021, amid interest from the Gunners.

What's Tapsoba's style of play?

It will be of intrigue to Spurs supporters that the 6 foot 4 ace is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with current first-team asset, Cristian Romero, according to FBref, amid his displays in the Bundesliga.

That likeness is showcased by the two men's defensive ability, with Tapsoba having recorded 50 tackles, 38 blocks and 36 interceptions in 32 league games this season, while the current Tottenham man has enjoyed a similar record, having racked up 68 tackles, 38 blocks and 44 interceptions from his 27 league appearances.

That comparison may be of some concern to those at N17, however, with Romero having endured an underwhelming campaign at the heart of the backline, forming part of a defence that has shipped 62 goals in the league this season – the sixth-worst record in the division.

The World Cup-winning warrior has been described as a "liability" by pundit Jamie O'Hara since making his return from Qatar back in December, while journalist Sam Dean dubbed the 25-year-old as like a "reckless teenager" amid his errant displays.

To think that the club may bring in Romero 2.0 in the form of Tapsoba would be of concern, although the Leverkusen man does possess his own quality, having been described as "complete" and "elegant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, while ranking in at least the top 7% among his European peers for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Even so, Spurs may be wary of bringing in a Romero-esque talent into the heart of the defence, such have been the £165k-per-week man's recent woes.

Newcastle United have cemented the foundation of a lasting dynasty under the tutelage of Eddie Howe this season, and could now complete a league-shattering signing by pulling off a deal for Real Madrid phenom Vinicius Junior.

According to Spanish sources, Newcastle are joined by Liverpool and Manchester United in their interest in the Brazilian whiz, who would possibly command a fee as tall as €200m (£174m) to prise him away from Los Blancos' clutches.

The 22-year-old is one of football's hottest commodities and has been integral in Madrid's illustrious success over the past several seasons, and procuring his signature could be the perfect way for Newcastle to stamp their authority after a tremendous campaign that will see them return to the Champions League next term.

Indeed, the Magpies have qualified for the competition for the first time in two decades, and following the PIF takeover in October 2021, now boast an opulence to give St James' Park a palatial feel, one that could entice someone of Vinicius Junior's ilk into joining.

How good is Vinicius Jr.?

When Real Madrid signed 16-year-old forward Vinicius Junior from Brazilian outfit Flamengo for £38m in 2018, several eyebrows arched skyward after such a heavy sum was spent on a player still within their formative years.

However, the 21-cap menace has now forged 224 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey.

This season, Vinicius has scored 23 goals and supplied 21 assists from 54 appearances, confirming his stature as a "top player" and the "catalyst" for his outfit, as lauded by Daniel Sturridge.

The threat that the £348k-per-week gem would cultivate on Tyneside is a terrifying prospect for the rest of the Premier League, with the flanker ranking among the top 8% of positional peers over the past year for non-penalty goals, the top 8% for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, also demonstrating his driving prowess by ranking among the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref.

He would, quite candidly, be the ultimate upgrade on Magpies wide-man Allan Saint-Maximin, whose future on Tyneside yields a more tenuous link by the week as the forthcoming transfer market opens its stalls.

Saint-Maximin is a fleet-footed winger and an enigmatic figure, but has scored only once from 30 appearances this season, starting just 11 times in the Premier League.

It goes without saying that Vinicius Junior would bring a somewhat more direct threat than his French counterpart, concurrently enriching the Toon ranks with his guile and aura as a superlative force.

His signing would embody the shifting of the wind, the changing of direction and the navigation toward prominence and silverware – securing Newcastle's ascension to the forefront of the global game.

Glasgow Rangers could see a mass exodus of players this summer as Michael Beale looks to move out some deadwood, while the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos will depart once their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Beale will be looking to raise some precious funds for future transfers as he aims to assert his own authority on the team and this could mean players who have been at the Light Blues the previous few years will be moved on.

Kemar Roofe should certainly be one who can raise a decent sum by being sold, with the £26k-per-week forward only having one year left on his current deal, yet he has made only six appearances this term due to injury.

Indeed, across his three seasons with the club, he has missed more games than he has actually played and despite his overall scoring record being solid enough (36 goals in 78 matches), it’s time both parties moved on.

Who could replace him, however? American striker Haji Wright may just be the perfect solution.

Could Rangers sign Haji Wright this summer?

The Ibrox side have been linked with the Antalyaspor striker recently, even having a reported bid of £7m rejected, with the Turkish side valuing him at around €10m (£8.8m) – a potential obstacle for any deal.

The 25-year-old has been in wonderful form this term however, scoring 15 goals across just 26 league starts while ranking fourth in the squad for overall Sofascore rating (7/10), sixth for big chances created (four), fourth for successful dribbles per game (one) and first for shots per game (2.8), clearly proving his importance to the side.

Is it any wonder then, that he has been described as a “dangerous striker” by former Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt and not only does he have plenty of experience at club level, but he has been a regular fixture in the USA national side, even representing his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He played a part in all four matches and managed 1.5 shots per game, despite averaging only 34 minutes of game time each match, proving his enthusiasm for scoring as often as possible, despite little chance to impress.

The American did score a bizarre goal against the Netherlands in their last 16 defeat, but the experience gained on the biggest stage will stand him in great stead heading into the future.

Beale could certainly get goals out of Wright next season if utilising him in the correct manner, and it would be the perfect licence to move on Roofe in the process.

While sealing a deal may prove expensive, the 6 foot 3 gem certainly warrants a closer look for those at Ibrox.

Celtic are in action in front of their home fans again this afternoon as Ange Postecoglou’s side take on Hearts in their latest Premiership clash. 

Having dropped two points against their Old Firm rivals last weekend after being a goal up at half-time, the Hoops will want to get back to winning ways this time out. 

In terms of what the starting XI could look like for the home side on this occasion, here’s our prediction for what the 56-year-old may go with. 

Celtic predicted XI – Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; Rogic, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Giakoumakis, Jota

To kick things off, having played in the majority of Celtic’s league games throughout the campaign, it seems likely that Joe Hart will start in goal to try and add another clean sheet to his tally of 25.

At right-back, with Josip Juranovic still out injured, Anthony Ralston will most likely start once again.

For the two centre-back positions, with 61 combined league appearances between them, we feel that Cameron Carter-Vickers will partner Carl Starfelt once more. Finally, for the left-back role, we think Greg Taylor will also keep his place in the team.

Moving on to the midfield, we predict that Postecoglou will make one change to the trio which started against Rangers last weekend.

Instead of seeing Matt O’Riley start again, we envisage Tom Rogic coming back into the side to freshen up the midfield alongside club captain Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.

With the composition of the attacking trio, we predict that Jota will keep his place in the XI on the left wing after scoring against the Gers last weekend, with Daizen Maeda on the right.

Finally, at centre-forward, we can see Postecoglou making another big decision by taking Kyogo Furuhashi out of the team and replacing him with Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Even though he has scored 17 goals in 30 appearances for the Bhoys since his £5m move from Vissel Kobe last summer, the Japanese attacker failed to have much of an impact against Rangers last time out. With that in mind, it could be an ideal time for Postecoglou to put Giakoumakis back in the team.

Labelled a “confident” player by Kris Commons, the Greece international could be the one to freshen up Celtic’s attack on this occasion rather than Furuhashi.

In other news: Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo